District players more disciplined: Mahao

LuciahPhahla

Mantšonyane

Likhopo general manager QamakoMahao says the behaviour of players from the districts makes them better athletes than those born in urban areas such as Maseru.

Mahao made the comments last Saturday in Mantšonyane after Likhopo played two friendly matches against Mantšonyane United, a select team from the area, as part of the club’s off-season scouting search.

Likhopo were also in the ThabaTseka village to pay homage to club sponsor Matekane Group of Companies (MGC). Their opponent, Mantšonyane United, was made up of clubs from around the area who formed a team to face Likhopo.

“Kids from the districts deserve to be given life opportunities just like kids from urban areas,” Mahao said.

“There is a rare talent in the districts and good talent, they are very disciplined and their social life makes them better athletes, we can’t deny that. We have MasuphaMajara, KatlehoMochobi (at Likhopo) both from Thaba-Tseka, and they are playing in the premier league because they were given a chance,” he added.

Mahao said Likhopo had already pinpointed players to bolster their squad for next season from the sojourn to ThabaTseka. ‘The Red Army’ finished fifth in the Vodacom Premier League this past campaign and Mahao said the club is also set to promote some players from its development structures.

“We are happy. Mantšonyane showed a lot of talent and we appreciate it. It is very wonderful and we are very proud about it,” Mahao enthused.

He continued: “Of course, we have seen some players. There is a good young boy we have seen, Ngaka Lenka; he is a midfield-cum-striker, and also another (player). These players have potential, they just need to be developed and be given a chance.”

Mahao also had special praise for MGC which has backed Likhopo since 2012.

“We came here to scout players and to also show appreciation to our sponsor (MGC) and to also build a relationship. It has been four years (of) MGC sponsoring Likhopo. Per season we get about half a million from MGC meaning in the four seasons they have been sponsoring us we have received about two million from them, and we really appreciate it,” he said.

‘The Red Army’ played two matches against Mantšonyane United with different line ups. The first game saw the club’s fringe players and some development players given a run and the match ended 1-1. In the day’s second game, Likhopo’s established stars outclassed their opponents 3-0.

Likhopo also took a tour around St Lawrence Mission high school in Mantšonyane where MGC founder and business tycoon Sam Matekane is involved in a redevelopment project which includes a new church and school facilities.

The club also presented the Matekane family with a signed Likhopo shirt.